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Interland #1
The Given
In a world where the power to read minds is outlawed, Jay’s gift puts her in grave danger. Hunted by a powerful Reader, she must discover the truth behind the Legend and use the full potential of her power if she is to find freedom.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2021
102 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Gary Clark
5 books12 followersGary graduated from the University of Surrey in the UK with a degree in Engineering, embarking on a career that has taken him all over the world from the Far East to the Americas. He is a graduate of the Faber Academy and Curtis Brown creative writing programmes. Now, a father of three, he has settled close to where he grew up on the edge of the South Downs in Sussex, where he indulges his love of books, and passion for writing.
The Given is his debut novel. It is the first in a series of young adult novels to be published in 2021 in which the main character, Jay, has to come to terms with her unusual gift.
The Given is his debut novel. It is the first in a series of young adult novels to be published in 2021 in which the main character, Jay, has to come to terms with her unusual gift.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 8, 2021
I found this book to be extremely creative, well-written, and a delight to read. Characters were likable and relatable. It was fast- paced, expressive world-building, and I was impressed with this author’s ability to keep things flowing rather smoothly. My only real con was the “power” levels need to be a little more defined - I found parts of that confusing and reread paragraphs hoping for clarity which wasn’t found. It seemed to use “she just knew/felt” intuition as a bridge for not quite having this worked out in his storyline yet.
Overall I found this to be a brilliant, creative novel that I am definitely looking forward to continuing into the next installment. Kudos to Mr. Clark for leaving an impression with me on my first foray into his Interland!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall I found this to be a brilliant, creative novel that I am definitely looking forward to continuing into the next installment. Kudos to Mr. Clark for leaving an impression with me on my first foray into his Interland!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2021
Fantastic book
Really loved reading this book the characters are interesting and the story is gripping looking forward to the next one in the series would definitely recommend
Really loved reading this book the characters are interesting and the story is gripping looking forward to the next one in the series would definitely recommend
September 29, 2021
Jay just turned eighteen and her powers are really starting to become more and more difficult to suppress. Yet, with the constant threat of being captured by the state and forcibly changed into a Reader, she knows something needs to be done. Surrounded by the support of her two best friends, Stitch and Cassie, along with her brother, Sammy, they take off in search of the mythical Interland. With their intuition and the stories told to them as their guide, will the Interland truly be a saving grace?
Gary Clark’s The Given is the first of The Interland trilogy. Gary surrounds the reader with explicit imagery and details ensuring the world within is all that is seen. Although largely focused on character development, the nuances, mystery, and adventure keep the pages turning.
Aside from borderline profanity and a few spelling and grammatical errors, there are little aspects that took away from a perfect rating. Nonetheless, personally specified parameters permit a 4 out of 5 stars.
Overall, a fabulous introduction to the world of “The Given”, and looking forward to continuing on the journey with Jay, Sammy, Stitch, and Cassie.
Thank you to #VoraciousReaders, #TheGiven, #GaryClark, and #GCLBooks, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
Gary Clark’s The Given is the first of The Interland trilogy. Gary surrounds the reader with explicit imagery and details ensuring the world within is all that is seen. Although largely focused on character development, the nuances, mystery, and adventure keep the pages turning.
Aside from borderline profanity and a few spelling and grammatical errors, there are little aspects that took away from a perfect rating. Nonetheless, personally specified parameters permit a 4 out of 5 stars.
Overall, a fabulous introduction to the world of “The Given”, and looking forward to continuing on the journey with Jay, Sammy, Stitch, and Cassie.
Thank you to #VoraciousReaders, #TheGiven, #GaryClark, and #GCLBooks, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
April 13, 2021
A beautifully well written and well described plot. The author has clearly described every little detail, every little action in this story. A great read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved all the characters. It felt like they are all in good sync and they perfectly complete each other. Even the villains. And we must talk about the cover. It 100% perfect for the plot. The map inside the book was really helpful to figure out where's what. It helped me understand the plot better, making it easy to imagine the geography. Loved the little surprise fantasy elements here and there. It really helped in building up the suspense for the next book in this series. Overall, absolutely beautiful writing.
May 5, 2021
The Given is set in the future where mind readers are banned. When Jay turns 18 her mind reading talent starts to show. To stay alive, she must escape the government-appointed readers and find a safe sanctuary while navigating her growing powers. I enjoyed reading this book and can highly recommend it. I received this complementary copy from Voracious Readers Only
February 20, 2021
This review is for The Given (Interland Series Book #1) by Gary Clark. I was given this as an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) by the author, and it was a privilege to read it. Described as a Young Adult dystopian fantasy novel, it drew me in from the outset, and I couldn’t put it down, turning the pages with enthusiasm as I needed to see what happened next!
Jay has just turned 18, and her powers are becoming stronger. She isn’t yet aware of all this entails, however, she is aware that in the society she lives in, having the powers she does isn’t a good thing. Jay and others like her have enemies who are known as Readers, and her Dad, who also has some level of power, is arrested by the Readers and taken away from his family. As the Readers also become aware of Jay, she has no alternative other than to go on the run, and try and find the Interland - the place of legends that her Dad is convinced exists, where she will be safe. Along with her brother Sammy and her two best friends, Cassie and Stitch, she sets out on her journey.
The author’s descriptive writing ensures that you journey along with Jay and experience her travels with her. I was fearful when she was, overjoyed at the same things as her, and downright angry when someone or something got in her way.
The story also briefly follows Jay’s Dad on his journey, and a few chapters are devoted to him, but the majority of the book, as it should, focusses on Jay as her powers develop and she sets out to solve the mystery of the Interland.
The thing I enjoyed most about the book was the feeling that there may be people out there, in the real world, with powers the same as Jay. In my mind, if an author can make you feel like this, then they have drawn you steadily into the world they have created and enfolded you into the story.
The only thing I disliked about the book was that as this was an ARC, there may be a wait for the next installment, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for Jay.
As the book is advertised as a book for Young Readers, as you would expect, there is no profanity or erotic scenes, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fantasy novel and who likes to escape into another world for a while.
Jay has just turned 18, and her powers are becoming stronger. She isn’t yet aware of all this entails, however, she is aware that in the society she lives in, having the powers she does isn’t a good thing. Jay and others like her have enemies who are known as Readers, and her Dad, who also has some level of power, is arrested by the Readers and taken away from his family. As the Readers also become aware of Jay, she has no alternative other than to go on the run, and try and find the Interland - the place of legends that her Dad is convinced exists, where she will be safe. Along with her brother Sammy and her two best friends, Cassie and Stitch, she sets out on her journey.
The author’s descriptive writing ensures that you journey along with Jay and experience her travels with her. I was fearful when she was, overjoyed at the same things as her, and downright angry when someone or something got in her way.
The story also briefly follows Jay’s Dad on his journey, and a few chapters are devoted to him, but the majority of the book, as it should, focusses on Jay as her powers develop and she sets out to solve the mystery of the Interland.
The thing I enjoyed most about the book was the feeling that there may be people out there, in the real world, with powers the same as Jay. In my mind, if an author can make you feel like this, then they have drawn you steadily into the world they have created and enfolded you into the story.
The only thing I disliked about the book was that as this was an ARC, there may be a wait for the next installment, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for Jay.
As the book is advertised as a book for Young Readers, as you would expect, there is no profanity or erotic scenes, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fantasy novel and who likes to escape into another world for a while.
March 26, 2021
I received an ARC of The Given by Gary Clark thanks to the publisher through Reedsy in exchange for an honest review.
Blurb thanks to Goodreads:
“In a world where the power to read minds is outlawed, Jay’s gift puts her in grave danger. Hunted by a powerful Reader, she must discover the truth behind the Legend and use the full potential of her power if she is to find freedom.”
Review:
The Given blurb gave me Darkest Minds vibes, which I loved so I was really excited for this new series.
The story mostly follows Jay as she learns more about her powers. She is joined by her two friends and younger brother as they hunt for a Interland, which her father told stories about. This journey starts about she receiving a warning from her father and vague (and frankly fairly useful according to the group) directions to the mythical land. The story also bounces over the her dad, Ben, sporadically to see what he is doing and who he is with. Lastly, there are the chapters with the Readers, a police-like force trained to track down those who have powers.
I am truly torn on this story. The concept sounds incredible and exactly what I would love to be read. The start was strong. I liked Jay, her brother (Sammy), and Stitch. I did not like her father or Cassie or the mother. I also like one of the Readers. But other than concept and some likable characters, I did not enjoy the story. There were way way too many parts that were unrealistic (yes, I know it’s a fantasy book but even in a fantasy world they felt forced). I kept groaning and rolling my eyes at plot points or events because they did not develop naturally. I also almost DNF’d on multiple occasions, especially during Ben’s POV, because each of these instances took me straight out of the story. If you have ever watched TVSins or CinemaSins, those dues ex machina sins are littered throughout this book. It never feels like the characters made ‘active’ choices. They just did things because the script said so. If that makes sense?
I really wanted to like this book. I really wanted another ‘adventure with powers’ series that I could dive into. But this is not that series for me. I wonder if a rewrite would make it feel more organic since all of the scenes are interesting, just told in a way that makes them feel tossed together. Some more build-up and connections throughout could make a world of a difference. I would be interested to give a rewrite another try, but at this point, I am not continuing on with the series despite wondering what is going to happen next.
Blurb thanks to Goodreads:
“In a world where the power to read minds is outlawed, Jay’s gift puts her in grave danger. Hunted by a powerful Reader, she must discover the truth behind the Legend and use the full potential of her power if she is to find freedom.”
Review:
The Given blurb gave me Darkest Minds vibes, which I loved so I was really excited for this new series.
The story mostly follows Jay as she learns more about her powers. She is joined by her two friends and younger brother as they hunt for a Interland, which her father told stories about. This journey starts about she receiving a warning from her father and vague (and frankly fairly useful according to the group) directions to the mythical land. The story also bounces over the her dad, Ben, sporadically to see what he is doing and who he is with. Lastly, there are the chapters with the Readers, a police-like force trained to track down those who have powers.
I am truly torn on this story. The concept sounds incredible and exactly what I would love to be read. The start was strong. I liked Jay, her brother (Sammy), and Stitch. I did not like her father or Cassie or the mother. I also like one of the Readers. But other than concept and some likable characters, I did not enjoy the story. There were way way too many parts that were unrealistic (yes, I know it’s a fantasy book but even in a fantasy world they felt forced). I kept groaning and rolling my eyes at plot points or events because they did not develop naturally. I also almost DNF’d on multiple occasions, especially during Ben’s POV, because each of these instances took me straight out of the story. If you have ever watched TVSins or CinemaSins, those dues ex machina sins are littered throughout this book. It never feels like the characters made ‘active’ choices. They just did things because the script said so. If that makes sense?
I really wanted to like this book. I really wanted another ‘adventure with powers’ series that I could dive into. But this is not that series for me. I wonder if a rewrite would make it feel more organic since all of the scenes are interesting, just told in a way that makes them feel tossed together. Some more build-up and connections throughout could make a world of a difference. I would be interested to give a rewrite another try, but at this point, I am not continuing on with the series despite wondering what is going to happen next.
April 15, 2021
Taut suspense, deeply realized characterization, and original premise mark this excellent SF adventure by Clark.
Jay has spent years waiting to see if she will be bestowed with the powers of Given, a person with the ability to read minds, or stay a regular human. As soon as she turns eighteen, the dormant power lying within her begins to come to surface, attracting the attention of Markus, a level 8 Reader. In a world where reading minds is against the law, Jay’s power soon becomes her biggest enemy. To stay alive, she must escape the government-appointed Readers and find a safe sanctuary while navigating her growing powers.
Clark’s characterization is right on the spot, particularly with Jay, whose coming-of-age journey is full of tension and intrigue as she comes to terms with her inner power, letting go of the fear and insecurities that have haunted her adolescent life. Cassie is a perfect mix of cunning and flaws. Sammy and Stitch are equally convincing.
The thrilling cat-and-mouse game between Jay and her friends and Readers keeps the pages turning while Clark deepens the portrait of Jay and the group and the Readers on their trail. The backstory of the history of Given and Readers is scarce, making it a bit difficult for readers to take to Jay’s story immediately. Still, Clark does a good job drawing readers into his characters’ anguish and fear, including the antagonists’, and builds to a clever, satisfying finale.
This excellent, quiet and yet electric SF tale will delight both lovers of YA and adult speculative fiction.
Jay has spent years waiting to see if she will be bestowed with the powers of Given, a person with the ability to read minds, or stay a regular human. As soon as she turns eighteen, the dormant power lying within her begins to come to surface, attracting the attention of Markus, a level 8 Reader. In a world where reading minds is against the law, Jay’s power soon becomes her biggest enemy. To stay alive, she must escape the government-appointed Readers and find a safe sanctuary while navigating her growing powers.
Clark’s characterization is right on the spot, particularly with Jay, whose coming-of-age journey is full of tension and intrigue as she comes to terms with her inner power, letting go of the fear and insecurities that have haunted her adolescent life. Cassie is a perfect mix of cunning and flaws. Sammy and Stitch are equally convincing.
The thrilling cat-and-mouse game between Jay and her friends and Readers keeps the pages turning while Clark deepens the portrait of Jay and the group and the Readers on their trail. The backstory of the history of Given and Readers is scarce, making it a bit difficult for readers to take to Jay’s story immediately. Still, Clark does a good job drawing readers into his characters’ anguish and fear, including the antagonists’, and builds to a clever, satisfying finale.
This excellent, quiet and yet electric SF tale will delight both lovers of YA and adult speculative fiction.
November 8, 2021
4.5 Stars... ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
So, this novel is blast!! I mean the structure of the plot with everything is just awesome. Hero and villain are having equal powers with their own advantages and disadvantages, all depending on their ability.
The structure of the story is wonderful, taking us to the fiction world. Giving it, 4.5 stars because there are some parts which creates confusion. I don't know if they are cleared in the next book of the series or not. The story is too fast-paced, not explaining some things but overall it is great.
The plot goes like this: A girl named Jay is on run with her friends and her father because of her powers. To survive in this world with powers means to fight. With readers chasing them, this is no different than a cat and mouse game. When unexpected discoveries involving around legends and mystery in air meets with a pinch of shock and thriller, it's named as ‘The Given'.
“I used to know people down here, Not anymore. Did you know that this is the nudist beach by day?"
“Cassie told me about her lifelong friend since she was a baby. Her soul mate. The boy who moved away and never stayed in touch. Her best friend."
“Everything's changed. The Interland has grown. The surface world has moved so far in the wrong direction. We must get as many of the given to a safe place as we can."
So, this novel is blast!! I mean the structure of the plot with everything is just awesome. Hero and villain are having equal powers with their own advantages and disadvantages, all depending on their ability.
The structure of the story is wonderful, taking us to the fiction world. Giving it, 4.5 stars because there are some parts which creates confusion. I don't know if they are cleared in the next book of the series or not. The story is too fast-paced, not explaining some things but overall it is great.
The plot goes like this: A girl named Jay is on run with her friends and her father because of her powers. To survive in this world with powers means to fight. With readers chasing them, this is no different than a cat and mouse game. When unexpected discoveries involving around legends and mystery in air meets with a pinch of shock and thriller, it's named as ‘The Given'.
“I used to know people down here, Not anymore. Did you know that this is the nudist beach by day?"
“Cassie told me about her lifelong friend since she was a baby. Her soul mate. The boy who moved away and never stayed in touch. Her best friend."
“Everything's changed. The Interland has grown. The surface world has moved so far in the wrong direction. We must get as many of the given to a safe place as we can."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
The Given by Gary Clark was a GREAT read! Started a little bit slow, but I am certainly invested now! My only request would be that more background and explanation be put into the powers that everyone has. I would love a more detailed scene, or maybe even a few chapters, of Jay discovering her powers, and her father helping her to understand them and control them. Understanding more of the nuance of the powers that the Given have, as well as what the scanners and readers have would have made the book much easier to connect to earlier on. Still an overall great read and can't wait to read the next!
October 2, 2022
This novel follows Jay who has just turned 18 and has discovered her powers are starting to come through.
With the threat of being found out by the state and having been changed into a reader, she knows that she needs to do something. With the support of her 2 friends and brother, they set of on a journey to search for the mystical interland.
This novel was beautifully written and I loved the relationship between the friends. I would definitely recommend this book and looking forward to reading more by the author.
With the threat of being found out by the state and having been changed into a reader, she knows that she needs to do something. With the support of her 2 friends and brother, they set of on a journey to search for the mystical interland.
This novel was beautifully written and I loved the relationship between the friends. I would definitely recommend this book and looking forward to reading more by the author.
February 18, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
This reminded me a little bit of Terry Brooks' the word and the Void, well the first two books in that series. And that's one of my favourite authors that's high praise indeed for this book.
A modern day questing fantasy, not quite dystopia, were some members of society have 'levels' of magical ability and are reprimanded by the state as illegals.
I enjoyed this a lot and look forward to reading book 2.
This reminded me a little bit of Terry Brooks' the word and the Void, well the first two books in that series. And that's one of my favourite authors that's high praise indeed for this book.
A modern day questing fantasy, not quite dystopia, were some members of society have 'levels' of magical ability and are reprimanded by the state as illegals.
I enjoyed this a lot and look forward to reading book 2.
February 27, 2023
Quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the concept was unique. By the third chapter I realized I had read the prequel a year or so ago and it all started to click. I personally think the prequel would be better enjoyed after reading this one so I recommend the prequel to anyone who has had fun reading The Given.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes magic, adventure, and fighting against an oppressive government. Definitely a read worth your time!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only
I recommend this book to anyone who likes magic, adventure, and fighting against an oppressive government. Definitely a read worth your time!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only
March 2, 2023
This book blew me away! I finished it in 2 days, which is unheard of for me. The constant tension throughout the book kept me in edge the whole time! There were a lot of twists and turns, which normally I don't like when it's this many, BUT here, it was done well!
There were some things I was able to predict, but for the most part it surprised me!
In the later half, I had a bit of a harder time picturing things as the environment was more complex, and some minor punctuation issues, but it didn't take away from my overall experience.
Highly recommend!
There were some things I was able to predict, but for the most part it surprised me!
In the later half, I had a bit of a harder time picturing things as the environment was more complex, and some minor punctuation issues, but it didn't take away from my overall experience.
Highly recommend!
September 5, 2021
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. Highly recommend this poignant dystopian read that's beautifully written, harrowingly thought provoking in the treatment of those individuals that are different from what's been acceptable in this world. Jay is perfectly written and is able to show the vulnerabilities as the Readers hunt her down and at the same time display bravery to protect others around from the creeping harm around them.
November 4, 2021
Transfixing
Well developed characters and a stunning plot, slightly devalued by the swapping of minds of those characters. This detracts from the story. At times telling rather than showing, the majority of the scenery is well described so you can imagine parts of it despite the fantasy elements.
Well developed characters and a stunning plot, slightly devalued by the swapping of minds of those characters. This detracts from the story. At times telling rather than showing, the majority of the scenery is well described so you can imagine parts of it despite the fantasy elements.
January 28, 2023
Quite Imaginative
The idea of the Given is very imaginative. Makes a good chase plot. But I had to try not to understand it all, because I couldn't grasp descriptions of places and actions. There just wasn't enough information to form pictures in my mind.
I liked Jay and Stitch but was disappointed in their physical relationship.
The idea of the Given is very imaginative. Makes a good chase plot. But I had to try not to understand it all, because I couldn't grasp descriptions of places and actions. There just wasn't enough information to form pictures in my mind.
I liked Jay and Stitch but was disappointed in their physical relationship.
September 12, 2021
Really enjoyed this.
Complete story with room for a series. Well written. Solid plotline. Subtle environmental message that's thoughtful, not in your face. I really enjoyed reading this.
Complete story with room for a series. Well written. Solid plotline. Subtle environmental message that's thoughtful, not in your face. I really enjoyed reading this.
September 11, 2022
Omg I loved this. Can’t wait for the next book It has fear adventure baddies and friends - state looking to control those who are different Totally enthralled from start to finish - actually didn’t put it down til I finished Hope the next one is just as good
April 1, 2023
I really really enjoyed this book! The story just keeps building and the characters are vibrant. I totally immersed myself in the adventure they were on.
I would recommend this novel to anyone!
I'm looking forward to the next one :)
I would recommend this novel to anyone!
I'm looking forward to the next one :)
April 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book immensely. There are many parables that I connected to, eg, the journey we all take in life to discover who we are and what we are capable of. I am looking forward to read the other books in this series.
May 17, 2023
Magic & Mystery & Beautiful Secrets!!
Loved going on this Quest with these FABULOUS characters!!!:-). Seeing the beauty in all of the places along the way and watching the magic take hold….just AMAZING!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)
Loved going on this Quest with these FABULOUS characters!!!:-). Seeing the beauty in all of the places along the way and watching the magic take hold….just AMAZING!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)
November 19, 2023
Exceptional writing, the words created such a vivid pictures that i couldn’t put the book down. I’m very keen for the next book and i am hanging onto the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next
May 1, 2021
Okay, I want to read this book. Everything about it is intriguing...
September 18, 2021
very good
I enjoyed this book very much. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series. Hopefully, we see more bonds develop between these characters
I enjoyed this book very much. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series. Hopefully, we see more bonds develop between these characters
Read
September 29, 2021DNF - started off too annoying…I just can’t anymore.
November 1, 2021
It was an enjoyable read, but I felt the world and characters could have been developed a little bit more. It was easy to follow and a good story though.
November 9, 2021
Loved this book
As a sci/fi fantasy reader I really enjoyed this book. It was pretty formulaic but when I’m reading to relax I prefer that.
As a sci/fi fantasy reader I really enjoyed this book. It was pretty formulaic but when I’m reading to relax I prefer that.
November 11, 2021
Sorta okay but drug on and on
Gave up on
Gave up on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews